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Concussion Awareness & Protocols

Concussion Information

Because Healthy Brains Matter More Than Any Game

The Junior Polar Bears are committed to Zero Compromise on Player Safety. Developing brains are especially prone to lasting damage from concussions—and a second hit before full recovery can be catastrophic. That’s why MCYH follows the latest CDC HEADS UP, USA Hockey, and 2024 International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport guidelines.

Recognize — Know the Signs

Even a light bump can cause a concussion, and symptoms may appear minutes or hours later. Remove the player immediately if you notice any of the following:

Typical Symptoms Red‑Flag (Emergency) Signs — Call 911
Headache or “pressure” in head One pupil larger than the other
Nausea or vomiting (single episode) Repeated vomiting / worsening nausea
Dizziness or balance problems Seizure or convulsions
Blurred or double vision Slurred speech or inability to wake up
Sensitivity to light or noise Loss of consciousness (any duration)
Ringing in the ears Increasing confusion / agitation
Difficulty remembering or concentrating Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
Unusual fatigue or “foggy” feeling  

When in doubt, SIT THEM OUT. A same‑day return to play is never allowed.

Respond — Immediate Action Plan

  1. Remove from play — coach or on‑ice official pulls the athlete
  2. Inform parents — Safety Officer or coach calls/texts parent on‑site.
  3. Medical evaluation — schedule with a licensed provider trained in sports concussion management (e.g., sports‑medicine physician, pediatric neurologist, or certified athletic trainer under MD supervision).
  4. Home monitoring — for the first 48 hours, check every 2–3 hours for worsening symptoms; use a dark, quiet room and limit screen time.

Helpful resource: CDC HEADS UP: Concussion Symptom Checklist

Recover & Re‑enter

Return‑to‑Learn

Cognitive rest comes first: shorten school days, allow extra breaks, postpone major tests. Coordinate with your child’s teacher and school nurse.

Return‑to‑Play Protocol (Minimum 6 Days, One Stage per Day)

  1. Symptom‑limited activity — light daily tasks at home.
  2. Light aerobic exercise — stationary bike or brisk walk; <70% max HR.
  3. Sport‑specific, no contact — skating drills, no pucks.
  4. Non‑contact practice — full‑speed drills, add pucks.
  5. Full‑contact practice — after medical clearance, restore confidence
  6. Game play — athlete returns to competition.

MCYH rule: Written medical clearance is required before Stage 5. Any symptoms during progression? Drop back to the previous asymptomatic stage after 24 hrs.

Prevent & Prepare

  • Properly‑fitted helmet (HECC‑certified; replace after serious impact or 5 years)
  • Strengthen the neck & core — proven to reduce head‑snap forces.
  • Teach safe body contact — age‑appropriate checking clinics; zero tolerance for hits to the head.
  • Baseline testing — MCYH partners with Mid Coast Hospital for optional ImPACT neurocognitive baselines (ages 10+).
  • Coach & Parent education — complete the free, 30‑min CDC HEADS UP online course each season.

If you ever have doubts about a symptom, sit them out and reach out. Protecting our kids’ brains today means giving them every shot at a bright, healthy tomorrow.

Questions?

Contact our Director of Player Safety with any questions:

Paul Conwell

Director of Player Safety